SLUH Viewbook

BELIEVE IT. BECOME IT.

BECOME part of a 205 Year Tradition of Excellence...

St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit order of priests), urged his followers to “Go forth and set the world on fire”. The founding of St. Louis University High School is built upon these words. For over 200 years, we have illuminated the world by developing leaders of intellectual competence and high moral caliber. For almost 100 years, the Backer Memorial has defined Oakland Avenue and this foundation continues with traditional and beautifully renovated space.

55 Jesuit High Schools

Including schools in Belize, Canada, Micronesia, Puerto Rico, and Quebec.

PLUS

28 Jesuit Colleges & Universities

...and a network of Jesuit education.

BELIEVE IT. BECOME IT.

Become a Jr. Billiken who walks across the stage to receive their diploma complete with the characteristics of the “Graduate at Graduation.”

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

OPEN TO GROWTH RELIGIOUS LOVING

COMMITTED TO JUSTICE

BECOME intellectually competent...

As a college preparatory school, one of SLUH’s primary goals is to develop in each student the academic skills necessary to successfully continue his education after graduation. The rigorous, four-year, technology enhanced curriculum is tailored to achieve this result while simultaneously instilling curiosity and a worldview in keeping with the Jesuit tradition.

10:1 STUDENT/ TEACHER RATIO

21 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

Several alumni share how SLUH provided them the foundation for success. View their compelling and inspiring stories by following the QR codes below.

Doug Auer ‘95 Third Degree Glass Factory, Co-Founder Kwofe Coleman ‘01 The Muny, President & CEO

Joe Donnelly ‘97 Spurs Sports and Entertainment, Director of Corporate Relations

Greg Ortyl ‘92 Olive+Oak, Owner

...and set the foundation for a bright future.

“Looking back, a turning point for me at SLUH intellectually, was the motivation from my Chemistry teacher. He helped me realize that if I studied hard and reached out for help, I could master any course.”

– DELTON UTSEY ‘18 WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS, COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE MAJOR

2023 ACT PERFORMANCE 5 STUDENTS

PERFECT ACT SCORE (36) 5 STUDENTS

NEAR PERFECT ACT SCORE (35) 46 STUDENTS

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

In May 2023, SLUH administered 1074 Advanced Placement examinations to 537 students. 85% scored a three (3) or higher.

ACT SCORE OF 32 OR HIGHER 58 STUDENTS

MISSOURI BRIGHT FLIGHT ELIGIBLE

HONORS & DISTINCTIONS

• NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

• NATIONAL GREEN RIBBON SCHOOL

• 2020 TOP STEM HIGH SCHOOL (Newsweek)

• 2013-2022 TOP WORKPLACES IN ST. LOUIS (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

• OLDEST HIGH SCHOOL WEST OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER

AP SCHOLAR 39 STUDENTS

77 STUDENTS

AP SCHOLAR WITH HONORS 81 STUDENTS (4.3 AVERAGE)

AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION

Though most students took AP exams in conjunction with their AP courses at SLUH, our students also took exams for the following subject not offered at the school: Physics C

“As a Jesuit school, SLUH has always been committed to a rigorous academic engagement in every area of our curriculum. Through careful reflection and thoughtful analysis, we form our students to be lifelong learners who can engage all of the complexities and nuances of life after high school.”

– MATT STEWART ‘98, SJ PRINCIPAL

BECOME innovative.

The James Guth Costigan ‘62 Innovation Lab is a great supplement to our STEM program:

• Robotics Makerspace

• Woodworking

• 3D Printing and Laser Cutters

• Flex Classroom

In addition, facilities also include:

• Renovated Science labs

• Aquaponics lab

• Community garden

• Tech Theater area

Students use iPads in the classroom along with Smartboards and Apple TV for lectures and demonstrations.

The new Claude J. Heithaus 1916 SJ Media Center has been recently established for the development of the students’ creative ideas in music, audio-visual, technology and art. It houses a video editing lab, the Dauphin yearbook and Prep News offices.

“I’ve worked on some projects with the STEM Club and find the Innovation Lab to be well designed and distraction free. I can easily find support and training from the staff allowing me to use specialized tools and plan the best way to accomplish my work.”

– LUKE STOFF ‘24

“Our students return from exchanges with not just a greater fluency in their language of study, but most importantly a true appreciation for another culture’s point of view and the ability to see the world through the eyes of others.”

– ROB CHURA, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL EDUCATION

SLUH develops its students into global citizens who: Seek to deepen awareness and responsibility in an interconnected world.

Stand in solidarity with others in pursuit of a sustainable earth. Are true companions in the mission of reconciliation and justice.

7 TOTAL MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

• Spanish

• French

• Latin

• Russian

• Chinese

• Arabic

• Greek (elective)

BECOME a citizen of the world.

ROME, ITALY

SANTIAGO, CHILE

PARIS, FRANCE

Become a world traveler.

ICELAND

Where will you go?

POLAND

SERVICE IMMERSION

Nogales, Mexico

SERVICE IMMERSION

Guatemala City, Guatemala

STEM Iceland

IGNATIAN PILGRIMAGE I Spain

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Spanish

IGNATIAN PILGRIMAGE II

Italy & France

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

French

SERVICE IMMERSION

St. Petersburg, Russia

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Russian

SERVICE IMMERSION

Yoro, Honduras

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Arabic

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Spanish

SOCIAL STUDIES

Normandy, France & others

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Chinese

SERVICE IMMERSION

Hsinchu, Taiwan

BECOME a man for others.

AMDG

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

For the Greater Glory of God

Prayer and reflection are just two ways SLUH students further develop faith, spirituality and a sense of social justice. A comprehensive program of liturgy, prayer, retreats and service forms men for and with others and fosters a love of God, others and self.

PRAYER FOR GENEROSITY

Lord, teach me to be generous

Teach me to serve as you deserve

To give and not to count the cost

To fight and not to heed the wounds

To toil and not to seek for rest

To labor and ask not for reward

Save that of knowing I am doing your will.

– ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

BECOME a leader...

Many of life’s important lessons are learned outside of the classroom. Whether it’s attending a retreat, traveling the globe, or working into the night on the Prep News, SLUH’s large community provides unlimited opportunities to further define who you will BECOME!

...and pursue your interests.

CATEGORIES OF CLUBS:

• ACADEMIC

• SPIRITUAL/SERVICE

• RECREATIONAL

• CREATIVE/ARTS

• CIVIC

Subject

View a complete list of SLUH clubs:

BECOME part of the team!

SLUH’s strong athletic tradition continues today with over 60 teams in 20 interscholastic sports programs.

• Baseball

• Basketball

• Cross Country

• Esports

• Football

• Golf

• Ice Hockey

• Inline Hockey

• Lacrosse

• Racquetball

• Rifle

• Rugby

• Soccer

• Swimming & Diving

• Tennis

• Track & Field

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Volleyball

• Water Polo

• Wrestling

Students also participate in athletic programs by serving as team managers, reporters for the Prep News and announcers on the SLUH Sports Network.

Whether playing in the game or cheering on his fellow Jr. Billikens from the sidelines, students are guaranteed a front row seat for an incomparable display of Jr. Billiken spirit.

FOUNDING MEMBER

OF METRO CATHOLIC CONFERENCE (MCC)

“The spirit at SLUH is palpable, it’s real and you can feel it in a class, walking down the hallways or at a football game.”

– AJ THOMPSON ‘22

“Part of why I do this work is to make sure an ever widening and diverse group of people from the St. Louis region get to experience this amazing place and benefit from what it has to offer.”

– FRANK KOVARIK, CO-DIRECTOR OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION

BECOME inclusive.

SLUH is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive environment for all students. Over the past 25 years in particular, SLUH has made conscious efforts to diversify its student body and make all students feel valued as part of the school community.

Generous financial aid of over $5 million allows SLUH to diversify and makes it possible for qualified students of all backgrounds to attend, regardless of families’ ability to cover tuition cost.

ADULT ORGANIZATIONS

• Board of Trustees DEI Subcommittee

• Equity and Inclusion Committee

• Parent Association for Cultural Enrichment at SLUH (PACES)

STUDENT GROUPS

• Association for Cultural Enrichment at SLUH (ACES)

• Asian Student Alliance

• Anti Racist Coalition

• Black Student Union

• Hispanos y Latinos Unidos

• Ongoing Conversations

• SLUH Students for Gender Equality (SLUH4GE)

SCHOOLWIDE PROGRAMS

• Voices of SLUH

• Black History Month Celebration

BECOME creative.

The Arts Department is dedicated to fostering the creativity of our students by offering a wide range of studio and performing arts. We recognize our students as both potential creators and patrons. We recognize each student’s unique style, gifts, insights and humanity.

BECOME supported.

A full team supports the academic and emotional well-being of each student and provide personal guidance in:

• Developing study habits

• Forming good technology use

• Creating coursework plans

• Examining career choices

• Choosing a college/university

3

DISTINCT AREAS OF SUPPORT

School Counselors are the first point of contact and assist students/parents in their transition to SLUH. They promote and support students’ success and wellness over their four years.

College Counselors help students/parents with the planning, discernment and application process while developing relationships with colleges and universities.

A comprehensive Learning Center, located in the school’s library, provides students with learning and study skills that promote success in their four years.

“What you’ll find at SLUH is a place where you are loved, where you are challenged and where you are fully supported to become all that God is calling you to be.”

– MR. TIM CURDT ‘90 DIRECTOR, LEARNING CENTER ENGLISH TEACHER, FRESHMAN MODERATOR

BECOME ready for SLUH!

You’re admitted! Now what?

DIRECTION DAYS

Each freshman is immersed in two full days of orientation (June 6-7, 2024)

Each student is assigned a senior advisor who will mentor them through the summer and their first semester.

SLUH 101

(Required for a grade and graduation requirement. Offered as a summer course or first semester.)

MONDAY, JUNE 10TH - FRIDAY, JULY 12TH, 2024

SLUH 101 seeks to have our new freshmen:

• Begin building relationships

• Learn Jesuit mission

• Use school technology responsibly and effectively

• Strengthen academic skills across curriculum

• Develop goals for their new year

“Many, if not all of you were ‘Top Dogs’ in your 8th grade class. Now everyone here is on the same level regardless of athletic ability, race, ethnicity, academics, etc. You have become ONE! The class of 2027!”

– ERIC CLARK ‘83 PRESIDENT, LOYOLA ACADEMY, ADDRESSING THE CLASS OF 2027 AT DIRECTION DAYS

THE RUNNING OF THE BILLS

Each fall, during the first Friday home football game, freshmen paint themselves blue and for the first time, as Jr. Billikens, cheer on their team along with their senior advisors. It is a memorable experience for all and quite a sight to see. This has become the “official welcome” of

BECOME part of a community.

backgrounds.

1,020 STUDENTS

89 FROM ZIP CODES 173 MIDDLE SCHOOLS

SLUH students come from St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson counties, as well as from across the river in Illinois.

Darker shades in the map indicate higher student populations.

SLUH’s tradition has been, and its vision remains, that a SLUH education be available to talented students from all

15,000 LIVING ALUMNI

BECOME part of a 21st century campus.

JAMES GUTH COSTIGAN ‘62 INNOVATION LAB (FALL 2019)

J. ANTHONY ‘67 AND DONNA M. DILL CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (FALL 2022)

CHAPEL (2024)

1924-2024

CELEBRATING THE BACKER MEMORIAL

CONTINUING A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR 100 YEARS

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Ann Murphy

(314) 269-2097

amurphy@sluh.org

We’re here to help!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

Jennifer Thomas

(314) 269-2099

jthomas@sluh.org

DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID

Craig Hannick

(314) 269-2098

channick@sluh.org

DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL EDUCATION

Rob Chura

(314) 269-2022

rchura@sluh.org

CO-DIRECTOR OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Frank Kovarik

(314) 269-2003

fkovarik@sluh.org